He has promised to 'graft' and expects the eyes of the Premier League to be on him, but after eight years' unfulfilled potential, what is new?
Unfulfilled potential: David Bentley (left) with Brimingham manager Alex McLeish
BIRMINGHAM January, 2011
Having completed his loan to Birmingham this week, he said: 'People will watch to see how I react here. I'm going to have to graft. If I do the groundwork, do the running, I know my quality will come through. I do care about things. People sometimes get this perception of me, that I'm a big-time Charlie. But that is not true. I love playing football. I originally left Arsenal to play.'
ARSENAL November, 2003
After signing his first major, five-year contract eight years ago at Arsenal, the club he joined as a boy, Bentley, then 19, said: 'I am really happy here. It was an important decision for me but the boss has told me that I will get my chance.'
2003-06 - Prem apps: 1. Goals: 0
NORWICH August, 2004
He spent a season on loan from 2004 and, after moving from Arsenal reserves, said: 'I will have to compete for my place but I am looking forward to a new challenge, to more first-team football and the chance to improve.'
2004-05 - Prem apps: 26. Goals: 2
BLACKBURN 2006
Bentley hit a hat-trick against Manchester United after his loan to Blackburn became a permanent move in 2006. 'This is the start of my career - and what a way to do it,' said Bentley. 'I'm at a happy club and all I can do is keep working hard. I didn't really enjoy my day-to-day life at Arsenal.'
2005-08 - Prem apps: 102. Goals: 13
TOTTENHAM July, 2008
Following his £15million move to Spurs in 2008, Bentley said: 'I have to earn my right to be at this club, a club that is in my heart. I've had to fight for everything I've got but that's how it has to be. For a team to be a success we all have to fight for each other.'
2008-10 - Prem apps: 42. Goals: 2.
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Source: Daily Mail
Source: Daily Mail